CHICAGO — The dream scenario for the Bears when they started the playoffs in January would be to host the first game of the 2019 season.

That’s because the defending Super Bowl champion traditionally hosts the opening contest of the next year on Thursday night. When the Eagles beat the Bears in the playoffs on Jan. 6, it appeared that chance was gone.

But now, it seems that coveted slot could end up being the Bears after all — and they might get to face their biggest rival.

Per reporter John Ourand, the league is leaning towards having the Bears host it due to their 100th anniversary celebration, which will take place during the entire 2019 season.

The Patriots, the Super Bowl LIII champions, would host the first Sunday Night Football game of the year.

This would be a major switch for the league, which has had the defending Super Bowl champion as the host for the Thursday night opener since 2004. Only the 2013 Baltimore Ravens were forced to open on the road after a championship due to a home game for the Baltimore Orioles being played on the same night.

Waiting for official confirmation could take some time since the NFL schedule isn’t traditionally released until mid-April.

The Bears did, however, confirm their offseason schedule for 2019, including dates for rookie minicamp, OTA and mandatory veteran minicamp.